Sanjay Raut Alleges ₹15 Crore Bribes to Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Amid Operation Tiger Buzz
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that party MPs are being offered ₹15 crore each to switch sides to the Eknath Shinde faction. The claims, made amid 'Operation Tiger' speculation, have been dismissed by the ruling camp as unfounded.
Highlights
- •Sanjay Raut alleged that Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were offered ₹15 crore each to defect.
- •The ruling faction denied any involvement in attempts to break opposition parties.
- •Speculation continues regarding 'Operation Tiger' amid potential moves by UBT MPs.
- •Reports suggest seven out of nine UBT MPs may be in contact with the Shinde-led camp.
Significant political turmoil has surfaced in Maharashtra as allegations regarding attempts to influence Shiv Sena (UBT) members have intensified. Senior leader Sanjay Raut has publicly claimed that members of his party are being offered financial incentives of ₹15 crore each to switch their political allegiance to the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This development has sparked widespread discussions about potential instability within the opposition ranks, often referred to in political circles as Operation Tiger.
The controversy escalated when Sanjay Raut utilized social media to voice his concerns, describing the reported offers as both shocking and revolting. These claims have injected a fresh wave of uncertainty into the state’s political landscape, especially as the monsoon session of the legislative assembly approaches. The narrative surrounding Operation Tiger suggests a concerted effort to sway representatives, reminiscent of the significant political realignments that occurred in 2022.
Allegations of Defection and Internal Stance
In response to the growing speculation, Sanjay Raut firmly denied the rumors that five MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) were planning to form a breakaway faction. He emphasized that recent meetings called by party president Uddhav Thackeray demonstrated clear solidarity, with members reiterating their commitment to the party leadership. Raut maintained that the claims of defection are unfounded fabrications intended to create an atmosphere of doubt.
Conversely, members aligned with the ruling faction have refuted these allegations of poaching. Shaina NC, a leader within the Eknath Shinde-led camp, explicitly stated that there is no strategic interest in fracturing rival political organizations. She attributed the growing support for Eknath Shinde to his dedicated work at the grassroots level and his direct engagement with the concerns of the common public, rather than any engineered political moves.
Despite these denials, the atmosphere remains highly charged. Krupal Tumane, an MLC representing the Shiv Sena, further fueled the speculation by suggesting that dialogues between several UBT MPs and the ruling party had reached an advanced stage. As reports circulate regarding as many as seven out of nine UBT MPs potentially considering a move, the political maneuverings in Maharashtra continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny ahead of the upcoming parliamentary proceedings.
